Rob Vanstone: O’Day Delivers the Emilus Effect as Christmas Approaches

The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ free-agent list read like Santa’s “nice” list this past November. CFL officials revealed 44 players eligible for February’s market, including 30 who had lined up for the West Division champs in their 25-17 Grey Cup victory over Montreal.

Among the standout names:

• Trevor Harris, Grey Cup MVP, completing 23 of 27 passes for a record-setting 85.2% completion.

• Samuel Emilus, the game’s Most Valuable Canadian with 108 yards on 10 catches.

• Jermarcus Hardrick, the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, part of a front that allowed zero sacks in the playoffs.

• Tommy Stevens, short-yardage quarterback who rushed for two of Saskatchewan’s three touchdowns.

Since that announcement, the Riders have been busy locking in their stars: Harris extended for one year, Stevens for two, Hardrick for another, and, just before Christmas, Emilus signed a two-year extension — eliminating any chance of a bidding war. As a Canadian receiver coming off a standout Grey Cup, Emilus would have drawn heavy interest from multiple teams.

General Manager Jeremy O’Day has effectively secured the team’s core, emphasizing 2026 and, in Harris’ words, the goal to “run it back.” Alongside Harris, Hardrick, and Emilus, nine other free agents have been re-signed or extended, including defensive backs Jayden Dalke and Jaxon Ford, fullback Albert Awachie, running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon, and defensive tackle Caleb Sanders.

This strategy isn’t new. The Roughriders returned nine divisional All-CFL selections from 2024, keeping a star-studded lineup intact for 2025. With a mix of championship experience, elite talent, and strategic re-signings, Saskatchewan has positioned itself not just to compete, but to contend.